Blog
Insights on building permits, zoning, and municipal compliance
Aurora, IL Building Permit Guide (2025–2026)
How to get a building permit in Aurora, Illinois: which city department to use, what work needs a permit, the 2024 code update, fees, zoning setbacks, and how to apply through eTRAKiT.
Bloomington, MN Building Permit Guide (2025-2026)
How to get a building permit in Bloomington, Minnesota: which department issues permits, what's exempt, zoning setbacks, ADU rules, fees, contractor rules, and inspections.
Can I Build an ADU in Aurora, IL?
Aurora, IL has no published ADU ordinance — its own occupancy rules say single-family lots may not have apartments added. Here's what to confirm with the city before you plan a coach house or garage apartment.
Can I Build an ADU in Duluth?
Duluth allows one accessory dwelling unit per lot, by right, in its residential zoning districts under UDC Section 50-20.5(E) — capped at 800 square feet, no variances allowed. Here's what the ordinance actually requires.
Can I Build an ADU (Coach House) in Evanston?
Evanston allows detached coach houses, garage conversions, and interior ADUs on any residential lot as a permitted use — no owner-occupancy or extra parking required, but zoning, historic-district, and permit review still apply.
Can I Build an ADU in Green Bay?
Yes — as of a December 2025 zoning amendment, Green Bay allows one accessory dwelling unit per lot in every residential district with a conditional use permit, subject to size, parking, and owner-occupancy rules.
Can I Build an ADU in Racine?
Racine, Wisconsin's zoning code has no accessory dwelling unit ordinance. Learn why R1/R2 lots are capped at one dwelling unit, which districts allow a second unit, and how to check before you build.
Can I Build an ADU in Rochester, MN?
Yes — Rochester's Unified Development Code allows one accessory dwelling unit per lot by right in residential districts, capped at 1,000 square feet, with a city fee-reimbursement pilot program for income-qualified owners.
Can I Build an ADU in St. Paul?
Saint Paul allows up to two accessory dwelling units per one-family lot with no owner-occupancy requirement. Here's what Zoning Code Section 65.913 and DSI's building permit process actually require.
Dakota County, MN Permits: Who Issues What
In Dakota County, MN, your city or township issues building permits, not the county. Here's what the county itself handles: septic, wells, shoreland/floodplain, plats, and county road access.
Do I Need a Permit for a Deck in Aurora, IL?
Aurora, IL requires a building permit for nearly every deck, reviewed as an Accessory Structure by the Division of Building and Permits. Here's the process, official fees, setback rules, and how to confirm requirements for your address.
Do I Need a Permit for a Deck in Bloomington, MN?
Bloomington, MN requires a building permit for any deck attached to a house, or a detached deck over 30 inches high. Zoning setbacks and 42-inch frost footings apply either way.